Brainerd Fire Department Offers Tips for Safe Snowstorm Travel

With several inches of snow expected to fall in the Lakeland viewing area tonight and tomorrow, the Brainerd Fire Department wants to make sure that everyone is safe while traveling in the heavy snow.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 1,300 deaths and 100,000 injuries occur annually due to snowy or icy roads. To help prevent accidents, Brainerd fire officials are asking people to utilize the three Ps while driving in the snow: prepare, protect, and prevent.

“The biggest thing with weather like we’ve been having and we get the snow and icy roads, is to slow down,” emphasized Brainerd Deputy Fire Chief Dave Cox. “People go too fast. People have four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, think you can get going really fast, but you can’t stop as fast. So [the] biggest thing is slow down.”

Cox also provided other tips for winter travel. “Make sure that your car’s full of gas before you go somewhere. Check your tires, make sure that they’re very good. Make sure your cell phone is charged up. And always wear your seat belt.”

The Brainerd Lakes Area has already seen over 13 inches of snow in the past few weeks.